ConsFirst / Bluetooth item trackers / Compare
Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) vs Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on finding range & network, precision finding & ring, app & alerts. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 wins on battery, size & durability.
The biggest complaint about the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) is iphone only, and it can't find your phone; for the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 it's samsung galaxy only. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) | Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in bluetooth item trackers | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Apple Find My | Samsung SmartThings |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 8% | 11% |
| Overall score | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Finding range & network | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Precision finding & ring | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Battery | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| App & alerts | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Size & durability | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $25 · $$ $25–40 · $$$ over $40 (per tag). Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Apple AirTag (2nd Generation)
- iPhone only, and it can't find your phone
PCMag lists no Android support and no way to use it to find your phone. Wirecutter adds that the extended Precision Finding range needs an iPhone 15 or later; older iPhones get the original AirTag's range. Amazon's summary says connectivity is mixed, with some owners saying it won't pair with their iPhone.
- Needs an accessory to attach
There's no key-ring hole or adhesive. Wirecutter says Apple's holders cost $13 to $65 (cheaper third-party ones exist), and PCMag lists this as a con.
- Coin battery and easy-to-miss low-battery warnings
Tom's Guide's only con is the disposable CR2032 battery, and its reviewer kept missing Find My's low-battery notifications. Amazon's summary says battery life gets mixed reviews, and some owners say it isn't worth the price.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
- Samsung Galaxy only
PCMag and Tom's Guide both list Galaxy-only support as the main con, and Wirecutter dismissed the SmartTag line for that reason. Amazon's summary says some owners report compatibility issues with Android phones.
- Quiet alarm
PCMag measured just 65.7 dB at six inches, quieter than the AirTag and Tile Pro, and Tom's Guide says the alarm could be louder.
- Mixed accuracy and battery reports
Amazon's summary says accuracy is mixed (some report poor tracking) and battery life varies from about a year to 5 months. Tom's Guide notes cases cost extra.
Who should pick which
Pick the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) if
iPhone owners tracking keys, bags and luggage
Pinpointing a lost item nearby with on-screen arrows
Sharing a tracked item with family or an airline
Skip it if: You or your family use Android phones; You want a key-ring hole without buying a holder; You want to press the tag to ring your phone
Pick the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 if
Samsung Galaxy phone owners
Long battery life with a replaceable cell
Keys, bags and luggage (big metal-reinforced loop)
Skip it if: You use an iPhone or a non-Samsung Android phone; You rely on a loud alarm; You'd rather wait for the SmartTag3
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